Author's Note:

I apologize for the long wait in putting this chapter out. Much in my life has happened since I last posted a chapter, among them the death of my father just under a month ago.

I am planning on getting back into the groove of this story, though, so please, bear with me should you maintain an interest.

This chapter takes place just around 30 minutes before the first episode of Justice League Unlimited.

Any questions or comments, please let me know.

I do not own Justice League Unlimited - this is purely for entertainment.

The newly-built Watchtower was brimming with activity. The personnel were running around in a frenzy, some directing the new members of the Justice League to their rooms and others handing out identification cards to the personnel and the members alike.

The heroes, however, had a job almost as challenging – moving all of their possessions into their new rooms.

"Consarned, dang-busted television," Vigilante shouted as he dropped it on his foot for the third time. If this thing's busted, I swear I'll-

"Hark! I bid thee, dost thou require assistance," a voice spoke to him.

Vigilante turned and saw, most literally, a knight in shining armor. "Well, I'll be," Vigilante exclaimed, straightening up. "Howdy, pardner."

"How now, friend," Shining Knight replied. "Wouldst thou allow, perchance, to shake, and in the sights of God and men, declare a bond undying 'tween yourself and I?"

Vigilante grinned, and held out his hand. "So long as you grab this blasted television for me, I'd shake to that."

Shining Knight grabbed his hand, and smiled.

The first bond of the day was made.

Courtney Whitmore, or Stargirl, as she'd become fond of calling herself, was bored out of her skull.

After she and Pat moved into their respective rooms (and right next to each other, Stargirl bemoaned. Is privacy that much to ask for?), Pat went straight to meet Steel, who Stargirl thought as nothing more than another man in a robotic suit. Besides the hammer, I've seen like three of those already today, and that's not counting Pat.

And now neither one knows I'm here, she glumly thought, quickly becoming uninterested with all this technical, engineering babble.

She glanced around, noting how chaotic everything looked so far. A few no-name heroes running or flying around, personnel following after them, handing out ID cards. Courtney pulled out hers and, squinting her eyes hard, examined it. Puh-leese tell me that is not a zit.

Courtney sighed, and shoved the card back into her pocket. Well, guess Pat won't miss me, she considered, and ambled away from the two, in search of excitement, or, at the very least, something to keep her mind off the boredom.

"This is madness," Orion stated, looking down at Supergirl, who stood so much shorter than did he. "These fools have been offered a place in the Justice League?"

"Hey now," Supergirl protested. "Give them a chance. Besides, they let me and you into the League, so they must have good taste sometime, am I right?"

Orion stared hard at who Supergirl believed to be Creeper, who was at the time goofing off with another hero she didn't know. Blue, horns on his head, and a dangerous looking staff. Still, she thought, but dared not say, at least some people know how to have fun around here.

"When I was offered a place in the League, I felt pride. I felt myself being granted a seat amongst champions such as Superman. I did not expect clownish buffoons chasing each other like school children."

"I think you should lay off," Supergirl said, her temper getting to her, and sincerely wishing she was on the other side of the room with Steel and the robot guy than next to this arrogant dick. "These are your teammates. That is, if you decide to stay. Wouldn't that be a laugh," she added, a smirk on her face, "mighty Orion leaving the League while members like Creeper remain?"

Orion didn't reply, but glared stonily at her. Supergirl stared back, then sighed.

"Just give it some thought, alright? For Superman?"

"I will consider such," Orion replied. "But as to whether or not I can respect such fellow heroes? I know not how to answer that."

Supergirl nodded, and flew away. I guess I couldn't ask for anything more.

The private Conference Room was dim and quiet as Batman stood in the far corner, while the ruckus outside continued to seep into the room. The door slid open, and in stepped Wonder Woman, who walked up to him in a huff.

"You do know that from everyone else's perspective, you appear to be sulking, Bruce, yes?"

"I'm not needed out there," Batman replied moodily. "That's the extent to it."

Wonder Woman smiled at this. "You mean you're scared of making new friends."

Batman shook his head in annoyance. "Actually, that's not what I mean, as I said-"

"Don't get snappy with me, Bruce," she replied unhappily, the grin disappearing from her face. "You're going to have to meet everyone sooner or later. Why not start now?"

While Batman opened his mouth to reply, the rest of the senior League members walked in, Flash first, followed by Green Lantern, Superman, and last, J'onn. The door shut behind them as Superman wordlessly motioned for everyone to take their seats.

"Status updates," Superman began. "Any problems so far?"

"There's a guy walking around without a face," Flash replied, sitting down. "Which one is that again?"

"Wally, you should read the files. That's Question," Green Lantern replied.

Flash went on. "Yeah, was he the conspiracy theory lunatic?"

"He does tend to believe things that are out there," Wonder Woman answered as politely as she could muster. "But based on the information we have, he has a good heart."

"So a loon without a face waltzes into the Justice League?" He laughed wildly at this.

Exasperated, Superman replied, "We've been over this already. They're now members, so if you could, we need to begin treating them like equals."

Flash, still laughing, countered this, saying "He's apparently a certifiable crockpot, and we're treating him like an equal?"

"Wally," J'onn began, his tone one of very thin patience.

He suddenly stopped, and looked around the table. "Okay, joking aside," Green Lantern raised an eyebrow, which Flash saw, "I mean it, you guys. Wanna know my real problem? I never said it before 'cause I felt silly thinking it, and I just kept it to myself."

"For once," Green Lantern muttered under his breath, and before Flash could retort, Superman cut in.

"What's on your mind, Flash?"

"Well," he began nervously, not looking any of his peers in the eyes, and anxiously interlocking his fingers, "it's like this. The reason we were so successful, before, you know, the Invasion, is that we weren't just team members, we were friends. I just don't see how we can do that, have that same kind of connection, between 60 different people who don't know each other." He looked up, now twiddling his thumbs. "Sure, we're all up here now, all teammates. But can we ever be a family like we were before, with members like Question and Creeper?"

Wonder Woman looked at Flash sweetly, and was about to say something before Superman beat her to it.

"That's a legitimate concern, Wally. And you're right, it won't be easy befriending some of our fellow heroes, many of whom have operated solo for many years now. I'd even say, for some members, it's their first chance at friendship in some time. Take Question – if he is as paranoid and potentially unstable as has been reported, then we have our work cut out for us on him alone. Vibe's another example – he's had to fend for himself for so long, I doubt he remembers what having a family feels like, if you don't count gangs. Still, while it may be difficult for some, we have to try to integrate them into the League. It's that simple."

"And I will add," J'onn replied, "that while some members may prove difficult to work with at first, there are others here who want desperately to be both in the League and have a family."

"Hear, hear," Wonder Woman said. "Let's be kind to our new teammates, and I'm sure before too long, we'll gain their trust and friendship."

Flash nodded, seemingly happy with the answer. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate taking me seriously."

"If you make a serious point, we'll treat you seriously, Flash," Green Lantern said. "Come on, man, you know that."

"I agree with what was said by both J'onn and Superman on this matter," Batman began, "but I feel as though we should bring in Vigilante."

Everyone nodded glumly. This task was sure to be the most unpleasant of the day, and no one had it in them to do it.

"Let's deal with that," Superman nodded, "and then, if he still hasn't shown any indication of coming, one of us needs to go speak with Green Arrow. Flash, could you go collect Vigilante, let him know we're ready," Superman asked.

"He's the cowboy," Green Lantern added. "Guns, bandana, cowboy hat, can't miss him."

Flash nodded, and sped out of the room to do so.

Courtney walked into the commissary for the first time, and saw a small group of heroes sitting at a far table, none whom she knew.

A red-head in purple and silver saw her and waved. "Hey, come join us," he shouted.

Courtney raised her hand and walked over to the odd bunch. Aside from the red-head, a rather large man in a blue mask, a short-haired African-American woman, a girl who almost looked homeless, another red-head with a bow and arrows, and a man in a strange, golden helmet sat around the table.

"Hey, guys," she said cheerily, pulling a chair up. "I'm Stargirl."

"I feel so old," the red-head said, smiling wistfully. "Nice to meet you, I'm Ralph Dibny, or Elongated Man."

"Vixen," the African-American woman said, nodded her head.

"Cynthia, or Gypsy if you really want to call me that," the homeless girl said, making a face. "Honestly, I never called myself Gypsy. Other people did, but I guess it stuck."

"Atom-Smasher," the large man said, offering a hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Speedy here," the younger red-head added.

"Ray," the final man replied, his voice sounding significantly older than Stargirl would have guessed. "It's both my actual name and codename, before you ask," he added sheepishly.

"So what are you all talking about," Stargirl asked, looking at them all.

"Ralph here has been promising us a story of days of old," Ray replied, "but so far, we've gotten squat."

"You kids today lack patience," Elongated Man good-naturedly criticized.

"Or maybe you're waiting for a larger audience," Vixen slyly said.

Elongated Man nodded. "That is another possibility. You ever hear of the Justice Society, kid," Ralph asked Stargirl, smiling. "Or any of you, for that matter?"

Everyone shook their heads besides Atom-Smasher. "Yeah, some friends of mine actually met a few of them."

"Nice, kid," Elongated Man replied, and Stargirl could tell he really meant it. "For the rest of you, though, you're in for a treat."

"Spit it out," Vixen playfully responded. "Who are they?"

"Well," Elongated Man said happily, "the Justice League, being Superman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, J'onn and Hawkgirl, were not the first team of superheroes. But the thing is, there hasn't been one for quite a while, so to a lot of people, it seemed like a novel concept. Plus, since the Justice Society has retired, they've been somewhat reclusive. Not to say that some didn't fight on past the dissolution of the team solo, but it wasn't the same. A few of them just retired the second they disbanded."

"When was that," Ray asked. "Like, how long ago are we talking about?"

"The Justice Society, or, fully, the Justice Society of America-"

Almost everyone at the table groaned, even Courtney, despite her patriotic attire.

"Hey, kids, it was a different time," Elongated Man defensively replied. "They formed 1960, before any of that anti-American sentiment began taking over. Anyway, Co-founded by the Flash, though not the one we all know, Mr. Terrific, and Green Lantern, also not the one we know, they linked up to the US government. Basically, while they were free to fight who they pleased, if the government had threats they wanted the JSA to deal with, they'd do so."

"I can't imagine a government-run superhero team was popular going into the mid and late 1960's," Speedy replied in a serious tone.

"They were in their own, pro-Vietnam, pro-government circle," Elongated Man replied. "You're right, though. The protesters saw them as little more than stooges for President Johnson, and later, Nixon. Well, this is true for most of the members, anyway. There was one member who the protesters appreciated, but that's a story for another time. We don't know if they would have gotten popular with more people after Vietnam, though, because they disbanded, or were forced to disband, in 1972. But they always had a turbulent history."

"Three heroes don't make a very large team," Stargirl commented, and Cynthia nodded along with her. "I mean, if they were uber-powerful, sure, but-"

"Well, Flash, Mr. Terrific and Green Lantern were just the founding members," Elongated Man explained. "They had lots of members throughout the years. Let's see," he began, using his fingers to keep count, "there's Sandman, Black Canary, Atom, Spectre, Hourman, and Starman. Some were only there for a few years, but hey, they still count. I think, if I recall," he added, scratching his head, "that the two busiest years for them were 1964 and 1968. They had nine members those years, which was the record. Not the same nine members, but still."

"The Justice League's been pretty stable in membership," Speedy replied. "I mean, aside from Hawkgirl, it's been the same six members from the 1999 invasion to today."

"Sure, but it's only been three years, kid," Elongated Man replied. "Three years and a half, to be exact, but this team lasted from '60 to '72. That's 12 years, and for what it's worth, they kept a decent membership, at least up to 1969. Afterwards, well, things went downhill."

"Dude, how do you even know all this," Ray incredulously asked. "I mean, are you obsessive or something?"

A nostalgic sort of smile came over Elongated Man's face. "I was born 1959, okay guys? When I was a kid, I watched these people. In a way, I grew up with them. I remember, when I was seven, I sent Hourman a letter, and he sent one back to me. And I believe it was him too, not some automated signature crap like nowadays. Back then, you could trust heroes, and most of the mainstream public loved them. After they disbanded, you didn't see anything like that until the Justice League got together. They were good times, and hey, if it seems I worship them, there a worse things you can worship."

Vixen smiled at this. "You may be an old man, but we're happy to have you, Ralph."

"Hear, hear," Stargirl replied, and the others nodded in agreement.

"We're gonna have to make you the official Justice League story guy," Atom Smasher said affably.

"Well, there's one more part of the story I should tell, then," said Elongated Man, a mischievous grin coming onto his face. "One last part, and you might want to rescind that."

"What's that, Ralph," Cynthia jumped in, excited.

"There was another member of the JSA I didn't mention. He joined pretty late, in 1968. But the thing is, he's actually still fighting crime to this day." Ralph's grin widened. "His name's Wildcat, and he joined the Justice League. I saw him walk by 25 minutes ago."

A red streak passed Wildcat, and upon seeing it, Wildcat shouted out "Flash!"

A screeching came from twenty yards away, and Flash turned back. "What's up, dude?"

"Can you let Superman know that I'd like ta talk ta yous'all whenever possible?"

"Sure thing, man," Flash replied with a curt nod. "We have a tight schedule, but we'll fit you in. Don't worry. I'll get you when I can."

Wildcat grunted, "Thanks."

Flash ran off again, and the 62-year old hero sighed.

"Been here half an hour, and already I have a headache," he murmured. "And I doubt it's gonna get better quick."

"'Tis most splendid, good sir," Shining Knight exclaimed, looking at Vigilante's television set-up.

"Aw, shucks, pardner, it ain't much," Vigilante replied, slapping Shining Knight on the back. "5.1 surround sound. You ever want to watch them moving pictures, you just let me know. But," Vigilante faulted, and gulped. "I reckon I should tell you something, friend."

"Yea, methinks so if thou art troubled," Shining Knight replied curiously. "If thou spake your troubles, perchance they'll vanish. Verily, 'tis so."

"Listen, there's a chance I won't be here in a few hours," Vigilante said. "Honestly, I may be a goner as sure as them Thanagarians are killers."

"Prithee, dost thou-"

A red streak ran into the room, and Flash skidded to a stop. "Been looking for you all over, Vigilante. We're ready for you- oh, hey," he suddenly said distracted, "great set-up, dude. That's one bombtastic television. I don't even have a flat screen back at my place."

"If I can stay, partner, you're more than welcome to join Shining Knight and I as we flip through them picture shows," Vigilante replied, somewhat grimly.

The smile left Flash's face, and he nodded. "Hey, we'll be fair. But we shouldn't keep them. Let's go."

Shining Knight stepped out of Vigilante's room, staring at his new friend. "I will see you anon, friend."

"Cross your fingers," Vigilante replied. He turned to Flash. "Let's get this show on the road, kid."

A boom box/radio on his shoulders blasting Big Pun's debut album Capital Punishment, Vibe didn't impress many people who saw him. But if they saw through his light blue shades, they'd realize that Vibe was not one to care about the impressions he gave out.

"Hey, dude," someone shouted. "Mind turning that down?"

"Culero," Vibe muttered, turning to the source of the outcry. "What's it to you, man?"

A guy dressed in a full dark blue and black costume stepped up to him. "I just wanna talk, and didn't want to do it over this ruckus."

Vibe stared warily at the man, then reduced the volume slowly. "What up, bro?"

"I just wanted to compliment you on your costume," the man replied.

"You making fun of me, yo? You wanna rumble or something?"

"No, no, man," the black and blue figure replied, his tone conciliatory. "Sorry if you thought I wasn't being sincere, but I really like the costume. So many of these guys dress so drably – you really caught my eye."

Vibe stared at the man a bit longer, then allowed a grin to form on his face. "Gracias hombre. I'm Vibe."

"Obsidian," the man replied. They shook, and Obsidian added, "You're a hip-hop guy, then?"

"I have many tastes," Vibe said, smiling.

"So do I," Obsidian agreed, and Vibe was sure he heard him say that with a smile. "I haven't spoken to many people here, yet. Been hiding out in my room for the most part. Saw you and thought you'd be a good guy to get to know."

"Tienes razón, amigo," Vibe replied, nodding. "I am a good guy to know."

Obsidian nodded too. "Want to grab something to eat? I've not gotten any lunch yet, so let's see if it's worth it."

Vibe agreed.

Stargirl and Speedy were slowly walking down the hallway in awkward silence, as they had been since they left the commissary, if for no other reason than Stargirl really wanted to ask him out. His stern look about him, however, proved to cause a hitch. It's only when an idiot blaring rap music passed by that Stargirl spoke up.

"You think that Ralph was telling the truth about Wildcat, or just playing a joke on us?"

"Oh, that's true for sure," Speedy replied. "I never met Wildcat, but he's a bit of a legend. My ex-partner always spoke pretty highly of him. In a manner of speaking."

"Oh, you've been a sidekick too," Stargirl asked curiously.

"Part-ner," Speedy stressed. "He's a good guy, don't get me wrong, but he could never see me as my own man. Also kept shoving his political beliefs onto me, and that got old real quick."

"My partner's my step-dad. He's okay, just strict," Stargirl replied, her tone a more complaining one than she was looking to use.

"Hey, it gets better," Speedy said reassuringly. "Pretty soon, you'll be out on your own, kicking butt and taking names without some overhead figure criticizing your every move. I mean, you're pretty young. You'll be at this for years."

Stargirl smiled at this. "How long you been doing this?"

"Since '97," Speedy said. "My ex-partner's been fighting the good fight since the 1970's. Almost a shame he's not here."

"Why didn't he join up," Stargirl asked, glancing over curiously at faceless man in a blue trench coat walking by with some boxes in his gloved hands.

"I don't know," Speedy replied, shrugging. "Hell, I've not talked to him in a few years, now. We got into a bit of an argument, and neither of us put much effort in to mend it."

"What happened," she asked, straightening the mask on her face.

"Some court in California upheld a ban on Affirmative Action policies, and I made it clear that I supported the decision. He sorta went ballistic."

"That's a stupid thing to argue over," Stargirl replied, confused.

"Yeah, well, you don't know Ollie," Speedy said with a grin. "If you knew him, believe me, it'd make sense."

Vigilante stood in front of the six most powerful heroes on Earth, and presented his case. He was honest. He stated that while he is not one to generally kill, extreme situations require extreme measures. He also made clear his general zero-tolerance policy for violent crimes against women, and how that, more than anything else, led to the death of the three men in New Mexico.

All-in-all, Vigilante thought he did an okay job. Superman asked most of the questions, clarifying points, while the others listened. Wonder Woman in particular seemed supportive, as did Batman during certain portions of his testimony, though Vigilante had to admit, he wasn't entirely sure – he was a hard cuss to read.

"That's my case," Vigilante finished, somewhat lamely, bowing his head. "Either throw me out or keep me. I reckon I deserve whatever you come up with."

"Thank you, Vigilante," Superman replied. "Please wait outside while we discuss this. You'll be summoned once we've come to a decision."

Vigilante nodded and left the room, and his fate, to the six heroes behind him.

Hawk stood proudly at the foot of his new bed, glancing up at the American flag, covering the wall.

God Bless America, Hank thought. Best damn country in the world, despite the crap Don says.

A knock on his door tore him from his patriotic stupor, and Hawk found himself staring at a stranger in red, a star centered on his costume.

"Can I help you," Hawk asked uncertainly.

"Just wanted to let you know I appreciate the flag," the stranger replied, nodding to Hawk's wall. "Don't see too many heroes proud to display their love for their country. Not recently, anyways."

"I bleed red, white and blue, sir," Hawk commented, then blushed afterwards. "I mean-"

"Nothing to be embarrassed about, and more so, you don't need to call me 'sir,'" the man replied with a smile. "I'm Commander Steel, or Henry, if you want."

"I'm Hawk," he replied. "Commander? You serve in Afghanistan," Hawk asked, the awe on his face obvious.

"Served one tour. IED in Kandahar last March almost got me. Got discharged afterwards," Commander Steel replied. "Was going to jump back in, but then the Invasion happened, and at the time, Thanagarians seemed a bigger concern than the terrorists. Guessing you've not seen combat?"

"I want to go over to Afghanistan, but my father would kill me if I didn't finish college first," Hawk sheepishly replied. "Brother would too, now that I mention it. Only got half a semester left, though."

"I'm not much older than you. I'd recommend what you feel is best, though. While family is deeply important, don't let them sidetrack you from fulfilling your destiny."

Hawk nodded at this. "Deep words, pal."

"Read them off a fortune cookie, but thanks," Commander Steel said with a smile.

"Well, it's been a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I need to go check on my brother, though, and see if he's all settled in."

"Brother a hero too? Bet you guys work very well together," Commander Steel nodded in approval.

Hawk sighed. "It can get really rough, but yeah, for the most part, I feel that's a fair assessment."

"Well, I'll leave you to it. Catch you later, friend."

"Will do," Hawk replied, a grin coming to his face as his new acquaintance walked away.

"That guy was totally compensating for something, Tora. Why else would the fool be carrying that huge boom box around?"

"Shush," Ice replied, worriedly looking around the two of them. "I mean, I agree, but if we're to work with him, we may not want to make enemies with him."

"As if that punk could be a threat to us," Fire aggressively stated. "I concede for you, though, hun."

"How sweet," Ice replied with a smile. "Want to go get some food, though? I knew we should have eaten before coming up here."

"Did someone say food, ladies," a voice spoke, and a blue figure, horns and a staff, leaped toward them.

Far from being scared, the two women stared dubiously at him.

"We did, yes," Fire began, "but within the context of a private conversation, one which-"

"Do either of you gals even know where the commissary is," the man pointedly asked.

The silence between Fire and Ice was enough the answer the man's question.

"Thought not. I can accompany you two lovely ladies there, in exchange for polite conversation."

"Blackmail seems unbecoming of a hero," Fire replied, though with a smirk on her face.

"You do what you gotta do," he replied, unconcerned.

"And if we decline your generous offer," Ice spoke up, a tint of humor in her voice.

"Completely up to you, of course," he stated. "In which case, I'd have to find another lovely pair of damsels in distress. I was already turned down by one Black Canary and a she-beast named Huntress. Truth be told, I'm moderately worried there are no kind souls up here."

"Just to clarify, by 'kind souls,' you mean 'attractive women,' do you not?"

Shrugging, he replied, "You say tomato, I say tomahto." Sighing, he added, "I'm Blue Devil. Scary name, I know. Strikes fear in the hearts of all those who oppose me and the like. You can just call me Daniel. Or Dan. Or Danny. Honestly, I'm not picky."

Taking pity on his desperation, the green-haired woman nodded. "I'm Fire, and my friend is Ice. If you can lead us to where we can get lunch, I suppose there'd be no problem, Dan."

"Best news I've heard all day. And that's after Creeper told me he was going to try and start a prank war with Flash."

At this, the two women chuckled, and the three of them left to locate the commissary.

"My view on the matter is simple," Batman began. "While I choose to abstain from voting, I will lay out my perspective. I don't like what Vigilante did. I don't approve of what Vigilante did. While I can certainly understand the circumstance he was placed in, acting as the judge, jury and executioner is not what the League is about. At the same time, however, this was a single transgression. Unless there is evidence to suggest he's done this before, I say give him a pass. If he kills again while a member of the League, then we hand him over to the law."

Wonder Woman nodded. "I do wish you'd reconsider about voting, Bruce, but I definitely agree with where you're coming from."

"Three men, potentially innocent, are dead, though," Superman grimly stated. "Those men were killed without any cause, other than the words of a woman who easily could have been misleading Vigilante as to the circumstances she placed herself in."

"I apologize, but could you clarify that, Clark," Wonder Woman replied, her face fierce. "It sounds to me you're saying that while the girl in question may have been raped, she placed herself into the situation, and because of that, it's not as big a deal."

"That's not at all what I'm saying," Superman shot back. "The woman claimed that she propositioned herself to only one individual, and that the individual in question called two others. The only evidence of this comes from her, who may not be telling the truth. Using potentially faulty information, Vigilante took matters into his own hands instead of reporting the incident to the authorities. Had he gone that route, no one would have been killed."

"Are you aware of how raped women in this country are treated when they go through the legal system? I've not been away from Themyscira for all that long, but I can tell that this country has a ways to go before the legal system treats both genders equally."

"I think we're getting sidetracked," J'onn replied before Superman could reply with what was certain to be heated words. "A potential member, in the heat of passion, killed three men who, by my understanding, forced a woman into unwanted sexual activities. I feel as though if this is accurate, the reaction Vigilante had was understandable, providing he guarantees it won't happen again. I am leaning toward letting this individual instance slide, providing we keep an eye on him."

Frustrated, Superman replied, "I agree that his reaction, on the surface, is understandable. Still, three men are dead. Anyone who cared even a bit about justice should have approached this in a completely different manner."

"You're missing that there are two forms of justice," Batman replied. "Legal justice and street justice. While legally, I support what you're saying entirely, if the woman gave an accurate description of how these men used her, then anyone can understand how Vigilante acted the way he did."

"I'm sorry, Superman," Green Lantern cut in, "but I agree with Batman on this one. What Vigilante did was extraordinarily ill-advised and foolish, and we definitely need to ensure something like that never happens again should he be admitted into the League. At the same time, if any of us were placed in the same situation he was, who knows how we'd react."

"Flash, what are your thoughts," J'onn asked, glancing over at him, who'd been unusually silent throughout the whole of the testimony.

Flash sighed. "Listen, this type of thing is far deeper than the stuff I deal with in Central City. Personally, I can't imagine killing anyone. Ever. At the same time, I can't imagine ever doing what was done to that woman-"

"Allegedly done," Superman cut in.

"Well, I believe her side of the story, Supes," Flash replied combatively. "No one deserves to have that happen to them, prostitute or not. I wouldn't have done what Vigilante did. Just hearing what happened, though, I got angry, and that doesn't happen much. I'm not saying that those three guys should have been killed, but, well, if they did do what the woman said they did, to be perfectly honest, I'm not too choked up over it."

"And if they had been innocent," Superman inquired.

Flash squirmed in his seat. "I wasn't there. I don't know how exactly this girl told Vigilante her side of the story. Vigilante apparently believed her, though, and if I recall, all of us supported reaching out to him. We trusted his judgment when we first spoke about him. I'm inclined to still trust him."

Green Lantern patted Flash on the back. "Good speech, Wally."

Superman shook his head, which caused Wonder Woman to glare hard at her friend. Before she could speak, though, J'onn spoke up.

"Unless anyone else has additional words, it may be best to vote. Any last words?"

"Just a few," Superman said, his voice steady. He glanced around the table, eying each of the members of the League before talking. "A hero who resorts to killing people is no hero at all. Even if the individuals in question had been guilty, they wouldn't deserve being shot down as they were. Vigilante, based on all we knew and found out about him, seemed a very solid person. Based off these events, though, I will fully admit I cannot trust nor support him joining the League."

J'onn nodded at this. "Anyone else?"

Everyone shook their heads, aside from Batman, who simply stated, "One last point of consideration: Vigilante had been drinking that night, and the alcohol also may have affected him in a way that caused this situation to get out of hand, and is probable to suggest that when not drinking, his reaction would be different. This is not meant as an excuse. It is simply pointing out a fact not discussed."

Again, J'onn nodded. "With that said, I propose we vote. The question: Should we admit Vigilante onto the League, given the information we have, providing we keep an eye on him for future crimes and violations? Superman."

"Nay," he spoke firmly.

"Yea," stated Flash.

"Yea," Green Lantern continued.

"Yea," Wonder Woman called, her face still red with anger.

"Yea," J'onn concluded. "The motion passes with four-to-one. The motion is adopted. Flash, if you could."

Flash grimly nodded, though inside, he was relieved the worst of the conversation was over. He nodded and stepped out of the Conference Room to collect Vigilante, happy they could supply him with the good news.

"Your flair for the dramatic is really something else," Vixen said, her tone bemused, minutes after Speedy and Stargirl left.

"Well, if you've been around as long as I have, you'd want to spice it up to," Ralph replied with a good-natured smile.

"You ever work with Wildcat before, man," Ray asked, interested.

"Well, we worked together a bit when I was green behind the ears in the late '80's, but he retired for something like ten years, and I fell out of contact with him," Ralph admitted. "He can be intense at times, but he's a good guy. I doubt he's changed since I last spoke to him. I'd definitely recommend talking with him at some point though, kids."

Gypsy looked thoughtful and nodded. "Yeah, the gruff ones generally have a soft spot, in my experience."

"Black Canary is a good friend of his, if you've heard of her," Ralph added. "Another good person to get to know, now that I think about it."

"Well, guys, I'm off," Atom-Smasher spoke up. "Was going to meet up with a few friends and then sort out my room. Also need to check the reception - if I can't watch Judging Amy, I'll get grumpy," he stated, an amused smile on his face. "Nice meeting you all," he concluded, with a nod. "See you all later for the speech tonight."

"Sure thing – let's hope Superman keeps it short," Ralph replied with a grin. "Until then, friend."

As Atom-Smasher exited the commissary, a figure in black-and-blue, followed by a Latino in an oddly garish costume, walked in.

"Hey guys, come over here," Atom-Smasher heard Elongated Man call out in the same friendly tone he used to get Atom-Smasher over there earlier today. He smiled. Ralph sure knows how to make friends.

What a guy.

"It's nearing 3:00 – what else is on the agenda," Superman called out, still disgruntled over the processions that had passed.

"I got word from Animal Man," Green Lantern replied. "Says that while he'd be delighted to join, he's going through some family matters, and respectfully declines. Said he might be open to it later on, though."

The rest of the League nodded. "We should certainly keep watch on him," J'onn said. "While Vixen and B'wana Beast combined bring to the table what Animal Man would, it'd still be beneficial to have additional manpower."

"Oh, that reminds me," Flash suddenly spoke. "Some guy, Wildcat I think his name is, wanted a quick word with us. I said I'd let him know when we have time for him. Now a good time?"

"I promised Mr. Terrific an audience with us also, so we may want to speak with him first," Superman stated.

"Which one's Mr. Terrific," Flash asked, obviously getting used to his messenger position.

"Black, 'T' symbol on his face, silver and black coat with red trimming," Green Lantern swiftly replied. "If he's bringing up what I suspect he is, this shouldn't take long."

"That sounds oddly ominous," Wonder Woman replied, a sly smile on her face. "Are we expecting bad news?"

"On the contrary, I think he's attempting to work with J'onn coordinating missions," Green Lantern stated, shrugging. "He's a smart guy, so if that's what it is, I'm cool with it."

"You're likely right," Batman added. "Let's hear him out, see what he's asking, and go from there. I'm more concerned about Wildcat."

Wonder Woman sighed. "Well, let's get this done with – I'm eager to meet more of our members. Being trapped here was not how I had imagined this day going."

"Funny," Green Lantern replied, a grimace on his face. "It's exactly how I saw this day going."

With that, Flash stood up. "Be back in a flash," he said with a grin, and fled from the room.

"Well, it's been a fun time," Speedy said with a smile. "But I've gotta get back to my room. Want help looking for your stepdad?"

Stargirl groaned. "Are you kidding? Knowing Pat, he'll find me seconds after you leave, all angry that I'm hanging out with older men who aren't him."

Speedy chuckled at this. "Parents, step-parents, hell, what can ya do? More of a reason to get back, though - I'd rather not be bruised tonight during the grand coronation."

Nodding, and hoping her cheeks weren't too red, Stargirl replied, "Well, if you ever wanna hang out, let me know."

"Will do," Speedy said, tipping an invisible hat.

I hope he doesn't think I'm too young, Stargirl mused as Speedy walked down the hallway. I mean, he can't be much older than me. Like, four years tops. She ran her right hand through her blonde hair, and sighed. As Pat says, time will tell.

With that in mind, she started back to the bridge.

"I won't take up too much of your time," Wildcat began, looking over the six senior members of the Justice League. "Listen, I just want to make something clear - I have no problem helping out with training the younger members. It needs being done, and I'll do it. Just don't keep me off the active roster on account of my age. I still got some fight left in me, and if you guys purposely sideline me, well, I'd be pretty steamed."

"I understand your concern, Wildcat," Superman replied, nodding slowly. "You may not believe me, but we never intended to take that route. We all know how valuable you are, both for training and in the field. You've been at this for some time, no doubt, but if we didn't think you'd cut it, we wouldn't have asked you to join."

"Also," Batman added, "I happen to know Black Canary. I've worked with her a few times. You come up quite a bit, and if you still impress her, you have my word that we've no intention to let you down."

"That's all I wanted," Wildcat concluded, sounding no more pleased than when he stepped into the Conference Room. "Thanks yous'all for seeing me."

"Of course. See you at the ceremony tonight," Wonder Woman said kindly.

With that piece of business concluded, and Wildcat now out of the room, Flash yawned loudly.

"I don't see what that guy's worried about. If he's not in peak physical shape, then I don't know who is. Besides Superman, of course," he stated.

"Well, the question of his age did come up," Green Lantern admitted. "You may have been dozing off, Wally."

Flash made a face of surprise. "You actually weren't thinking of sidelining him, where you?"

"No, I meant what I said," Superman stated. "It was discussed, the motion dismissed unanimously, and we moved on. Wildcat is extraordinarily valuable to us, and to put him in a situation in which he feels he is not being respected would be very foolish."

Those around the room nodded. Batman then spoke up. "I think one of us should go down and talk to Green Arrow. See if we can make him see sense."

"I can go," Green Lantern replied. "Maybe something about you or Superman rubs him the wrong way. We know he'd be a great member, so I'll see what I can make happen."

"Worse case scenario," Superman said, a smile on his lips, "just bring him up here anyways."

"Will do," Green Lantern said, nodding. He stood up, making for the door, looking back before leaving the room, stating, "If any other problems arise, for the love of God, please don't inform me."

Flash and Wonder Woman laughed at this, while Superman merely grinned. "I'll do what I can, friend."

After he left, Superman looked over the remaining three heroes. "Well, I think it's time we go mingle. If anything happens that I should know about, we can meet back here."

Flash was the first to leave, followed by an eager Superman and J'onn. Wonder Woman held back, glancing at Batman.

"Please tell me, Bruce, that you're not going to sit here all afternoon. I know you don't much care for meeting people, but these are our teammates now. Give them a chance."

"I'll do what I can, Diana," he replied stoically.

At this, Wonder Woman nodded, and exited the room.

"Excuse me, sir," a voice rang out from behind Superman. He looked back, and met the eyes of Captain Atom.

"Yes, how can I help you," Superman asked politely.

"I wished to say that I apologize for getting here later than I had indicated, and am ready to report for duty."

"No worries, Captain," Superman replied bemusedly. "We'll all be meeting in the promenade in half an hour. Right now, I'd just recommend meeting people. See you tonight."

Captain Atom nodded. "Likewise, sir."

Superman smiled. "You really don't have to call me 'sir.'"

"Let's see, Unforgiven, Dirty Harry, The Outlaw Josey Wales, A Fistful of Dollars." Flash sighed. "Seems you have a one-track mind, Vigilante."

"Aw, shucks, Flash, you sayin' Clint Eastwood ain't worth collecting?"

"Hey, a good movie's a good movie," Flash replied. "What are you feeling, Shining Knight?"

"I know not the player nor the movies," Shining Knight stated. Rather sheepishly, he added "I don't get out much."

Flash chuckled. "Go figure," he said, continuing to flip through Vigilante's DVD collection.

"I want to thank you again, partner," Vigilante started, "I was right worried I'd be headin' back down to Earth." He picked up his guitar and strummed it a bit. "But you guys really pulled through."

"Hey, we're the League, it's what we do," Flash replied, smiling.

Nodding, Vigilante, who never thought the League would actually allow him to join, replied, "That's what I like to hear."